A20559:454
The bright star which leadeth wise men to our Lord Jesus Christ, or, A…
The bright star which leadeth wise men to our Lord Jesus Christ, or, A familiar and learned exposition on the ten commandments gathered from the mouth of a faithful pastor by a gracious young man, sometime scholar in Cambridge.The bright star which leadeth wise men to our Lord Jesus Christ, or, A familiar and learned exposition on the ten commandements gathered from the mouth of a faithfull pastor by a gracious young man, sometime scholler in Cambridge.
London: printed by John Harison for Thomas Man, 1603London: printed by Iohn Harison for Thomas Man, 1603
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But this is a most soul fault, for if any had a good friend to whom he were much beholding, and of whom he had received many benefits, no man almost is so cowardly and base minded, but if he heard one rail upon him and abuse him, he ⟨p. 29⟩would take courage to speak for him, and for his credit▪ but who almost can be found, of many in a parish, that can afford a good word for the Minister; nay, are not most of this mind, that if he be molested all is lost that falls beside. Thus much for the duties of the people; the Ministers particular duties follow.
But this is a most soule fault, for if any had a good friend to whom he were much beholding, and of whom he had receiued many benefites, no man almost is so cowardly and base minded, but if he heard one raile vpon him and abuse him, he ⟨p. 29⟩would take courage to speake for him, and for his credite▪ but who almost can be found, of many in a parish, that can afford a good word for the Minister; nay, are not most of this minde, that if he be molested all is lost that fals beside. Thus much for the dueties of the people; the Ministers particular dueties followe.
The first is, to be a good example and pattern unto them in love, in faith, in patience and in every good duty, as 1. Tim. 4. 12. Let no man despise thy youth. I but, (might Timothy say,) can I keep them from despising my youth? I cannot hinder it, yet, Show thy self an example to those that believe. This then is commanded as a duty that gains the Minister great recompense, and account in the hearts of his people, and keeps him from contempt, that the light of God shine forth in him, and they may see the graces of the holy Ghost in his conversation. And therefore the Apostle showeth how he must govern his servants, and order his children and his whole household, else, if he lay load of doctrine upon others and do nothing him self, they may say, Physician heal thy self, and pull out the beam out of thine own eye thou hypocrite: & this will make all his preaching fruitless & vain, for he that cannot govern himself & his own family, how is it possible he should order his flock aright? Therefore he must show his first skill in governing him self and his family, and those that be nearest unto him.